The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971: December 3, 1971

On December 3, 1971, the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 officially began when Pakistan launched preemptive air strikes on 11 Indian airbases. This marked the escalation of a conflict that had been brewing due to political and civil unrest in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

Context and Background

The roots of the conflict lay in the political and ethnic tensions between West Pakistan and East Pakistan. The 1970 general elections in Pakistan saw the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, win a majority. However, the West Pakistani leadership was reluctant to transfer power, leading to widespread unrest in East Pakistan.

In March 1971, the Pakistani military launched Operation Searchlight, a brutal crackdown on Bengali nationalists and civilians in East Pakistan. This led to a massive humanitarian crisis, with millions of refugees fleeing to neighboring India, straining its resources and escalating regional tensions.

Key Events Leading Up to December 3

• March 1971: Operation Searchlight begins, targeting Bengali intellectuals, students, and nationalists.
• April-November 1971: The refugee crisis intensifies, with India providing support to the Mukti Bahini, the Bengali guerrilla resistance movement.
• November 1971: Skirmishes and military engagements increase along the India-East Pakistan border.

December 3, 1971: The Outbreak of War

On December 3, 1971, Pakistan aimed to gain a strategic advantage by launching preemptive air strikes on Indian airbases. The targets included bases in Amritsar, Pathankot, Srinagar, Avantipur, Uttarlai, Jodhpur, Ambala, Agra, and others. The intention was to cripple the Indian Air Force and gain air superiority.

India’s Response

India responded swiftly to the Pakistani aggression. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi addressed the nation, declaring that India was in a state of war. The Indian military launched a full-scale offensive on both the eastern and western fronts.

Consequences and Aftermath

• Military Success: The Indian Armed Forces, along with the Mukti Bahini, made rapid advances in East Pakistan. Within two weeks, they captured Dhaka.
• Surrender and Independence: On December 16, 1971, Pakistani forces in East Pakistan surrendered, leading to the creation of the independent nation of Bangladesh.
• Geopolitical Impact: The war significantly altered the geopolitical landscape of South Asia, with Bangladesh emerging as a new nation and India asserting itself as a regional power.

The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 remains a pivotal moment in the history of the Indian subcontinent, highlighting the complex interplay of political, ethnic, and military factors that shaped the region.